Walk-Through Survey Report: Perchloroethylene Exposures and Ergonomic Hazards in Commercial Dry Cleaners at Teasdale Fenton Cleaners, Cincinnati, Ohio

摘要

A survey was undertaken to document and evaluate effective techniques for the control of potential health hazards at Teasdale Fenton Cleaners (SIC-7216), Cincinnati, Ohio. The facility used about 600 gallons of perchloroethylene (127184) (PERC) per month and dry cleaned about 3,000 pounds of apparel daily. The measures in use at this site were not sufficient to reduce exposures to PERC to levels below 35 parts per million (ppm). The major contributing factors were the many leaks in the system and the lack of adequate ventilation and vapor recovery during the transfer operation. PERC exposure would fall if these improvements were made. Fans should be arranged to move contaminated vapors away from the workers. Process isolation could also be improved. Use of personal safety equipment at this location was not in accordance with Federal Regulations. The half mask facepiece with organic vapor cartridges used at this site were adequate for only short periods. Gloves, aprons, and goggles should be used to reduce exposures. Ergonomic hazards were evaluated in the pressing, washing and drying, and tailoring areas. Many of the ergonomic hazards identified in this study involved repetitive motions and awkward postures.